Second Chance reentry programs — like those highlighted in Ohio — are designed specifically to help people rebuild stable lives after incarceration, and similar resources exist across the United States through a combination of federal workforce programs, state-run services, and nonprofit partnerships. If you've recently been released or are preparing for release, knowing which programs may be available to you is the first concrete step toward financial stability and employment.
What Are Second Chance Reentry Programs?
Second Chance programs are reentry services that help returning citizens navigate employment, housing, benefits, and legal barriers after incarceration. Ohio's programs — operated through a network of county-level reentry coalitions, American Job Centers, and community organizations — offer a practical blueprint for what's available nationally.
At the federal level, the Second Chance Act (originally passed in 2008 and reauthorized through the First Step Act framework) funds grants to states, counties, and nonprofits to provide:
- Employment services and job placement
- Substance use treatment and mental health support
- Housing transition assistance
- Benefits enrollment help (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSDI)
- Mentoring and case management
These grants flow to local organizations, so availability and services vary significantly by state and county.
WIOA: The Primary Federal Job Training Resource for Returning Citizens
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the main federal law funding job training for adults facing barriers to employment — and a criminal record is explicitly recognized as a barrier under WIOA eligibility criteria.
Who May Be Eligible
WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs are generally available to people who:
- Are 18 or older
- Are authorized to work in the U.S.
- Face one or more barriers to employment (including a criminal record, low income, or lack of a high school diploma)
Income is not always a hard cutoff for WIOA, but priority is given to individuals at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and those receiving public assistance.
What WIOA May Cover
Through an Individual Training Account (ITA), WIOA may pay for:
- Occupational skills training (CDL, healthcare certifications, IT credentials, construction trades)
- On-the-job training with an employer
- Apprenticeship programs
- Adult education and GED completion
- Supportive services like transportation and childcare during training
Benefit amounts vary by household size and income, and funding availability differs by local workforce board. There is no single national dollar cap — your local American Job Center will assess what's available in your area.
How to Apply for WIOA
- Find your nearest American Job Center at careeronestop.org or by calling 1-877-872-5627.
- Walk in or call — no referral is required.
- Bring identification (state ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card), proof of any public assistance you receive, and documentation of your work history if available.
- A career counselor will assess your eligibility and connect you with an ITA or other services.
Federal Benefits After Incarceration: What You May Still Access
Federal law does restrict some benefits for people with certain drug-related felony convictions, but many programs remain accessible. Here's a quick breakdown:
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Federal law previously banned people with drug felony convictions from SNAP, but most states have now opted out of that ban fully or partially. As of 2024, the majority of states — including Ohio — allow SNAP access for returning citizens. Eligibility is generally based on income at or below 130% FPL. Apply through your state's SNAP agency or local Department of Job and Family Services.
Medicaid Incarceration itself does not permanently disqualify you from Medicaid. Coverage is typically suspended during incarceration but can be reinstated upon release. In states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, adults up to 138% FPL may be eligible. Reentry case managers can often help you re-enroll before your release date.
SSI and SSDI If you have a disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are suspended during incarceration but not terminated after 12 months (for SSDI) or any period (for SSI). You can apply or reapply through the Social Security Administration (SSA) after release. Pre-release SSI/SSDI application programs exist in some states — ask your case manager or reentry coordinator.
What Is Restricted People with certain drug trafficking convictions may face waiting periods for some state-administered benefits. Federal public housing authorities may also screen for criminal history, though HUD has issued guidance encouraging housing providers to use individualized assessments rather than blanket bans.
Fair Chance Hiring and Expungement Resources
Beyond benefits, employment itself is often the biggest barrier. Several federal and state-level tools may help:
- Ban the Box laws: Over 35 states and 150+ cities have laws limiting when employers can ask about criminal history. Federal contractors are also covered under Executive Order 13764.
- Federal Bonding Program: The U.S. Department of Labor's Federal Bonding Program provides fidelity bonds to employers who hire people with criminal records — at no cost to the employer or the worker. This can make you a more attractive candidate. Ask about it at your American Job Center.
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): Employers who hire returning citizens (within one year of release) may receive a federal tax credit. This incentive can help you negotiate with employers who are on the fence.
- Expungement clinics: Many legal aid organizations and law school clinics offer free or low-cost expungement assistance. A clean or sealed record can significantly expand your job options.
What to Do If You're Denied
Denials happen — for benefits, housing, and jobs. Here's what to do:
- For WIOA or AJC services: Ask for a written explanation and request a supervisor review. WIOA programs have grievance procedures.
- For SNAP or Medicaid: You have the right to a fair hearing. Request one in writing within the timeframe listed on your denial notice (usually 30–90 days).
- For housing: Contact your local legal aid office. HUD's guidance on criminal history screening gives you grounds to challenge blanket denials.
- For employment: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has guidance stating that blanket criminal history bans may constitute disparate impact discrimination in some cases.
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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: May 2026